News Release

Water Quality Tests Continue After Nanoplankton And Red Tide Found

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (January 20, 2017) – Warning signs have been removed from waters along Coffee Pot Bayou, but state-sponsored and independent scientists continue to study the water quality following the recent rash of pelican deaths.

Initial test results, compared with a recent baseline series of samples provided by the city of St. Petersburg, showed water was within recreational use parameters. Despite increased water testing in the area, recent events have not caused a decrease in visitors to Coffee Pot Park. Activity by residents on social media indicate that there is more fish and wildlife activity in the waters over the past week.

A water sample collected Thursday, January 19, by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff at Riviera Lake #1, the site of an initial cold weather inversion-related fish kill last week which led to discoveries of sick or dead brown pelicans, has turned up bloom concentrations of nanoplankton. Meanwhile, a water sample collected at Bayou Grande, meanwhile, where a dead white pelican was found, showed background concentrations of Karenia brevis, or red tide. Results of those tests, as well as necropsies on the dead pelicans, should be ready by next week. Research teams from the city, state and an independent study group will continue to monitor the waters for any unusual activity during the weekend.

Please let us know any problems, inaccurate or missing information on this page. Feedback and email address (if given below) will become public record. Please DO NOT include personal/private information and review our Privacy Policy before submitting.